Yourupt opened the door and stepped into the office, greeted by the rich scent of aged wood and the sight of a room steeped in history. The polished wooden walls and floors radiated a timeless elegance, reflecting the architectural style of 1800s New Zealand Georgian houses. The room felt alive with stories, its atmosphere both welcoming and formidable.
As he entered, his eyes were drawn to whakairo carvings adorning the walls. The intricate patterns depicted figures and scenes he didn’t recognize, but something about them spoke of great importance. He surmised they were tied to The True Writer's past as a mortal, their craftsmanship hinting at a legacy that transcended lifetimes. Around the room, displays of ancient weapons, ceremonial clothing, and other artifacts further enriched the space. Each item seemed to whisper fragments of a larger narrative. A small, unassuming inkwell on a shelf caught his eye, its simplicity stood in sharp contrast to the grandeur surrounding it, but it somehow commanded as much attention.
Yuna’s voice broke through his observations, her tone steady yet firm as she spoke with Lady Chihaya, who sat behind a large, well-worn desk in the center of the room. The desk was flanked by neatly arranged papers and old tomes, further emphasizing the blend of organization and antiquity in the space. Lady Chihaya leaned forward slightly, listening intently to Yuna as she explained recent developments, her sharp gaze shifting momentarily to acknowledge Yourupt’s presence before returning to Yuna.
Yourupt continued to scan the room, trying to piece together the layers of history contained within it. The walls bore mounted heirlooms some ornate, others battered but clearly significant. A large map pinned to one side of the room displayed territories and markings he couldn’t fully decipher, likely a relic from a time when The True Writer had been immersed in mortal affairs. Even the faint scratches on the floor near the desk seemed to hint at countless encounters and decisions that had shaped not just the house but perhaps entire worlds.
Chihaya: “Yourupt,” Lady Chihaya said finally, her voice cutting through his thoughts. It was calm but commanding, bringing him back to the present. He stepped forward, his curiosity momentarily shelved as he prepared himself for the weight of the conversation ahead.
Yourupt turned toward the voice, casually responding,
Yourupt: "I can hear you from here, Lady Chihaya. I'm just looking around."
Before he could say more, Lady Chihaya seemed to materialize behind him, her presence commanding yet graceful. Yourupt noticed her approach just in time, stepping aside as she walked past him with the air of someone who owned not just the room, but the history within it.
As she began to circle the room, her gaze swept over the carvings, relics, and artifacts.
Chihaya: “Like what you see?” she asked, her voice steady but carrying an undertone of something unspoken.
Chihaya: “Before I took over overseeing the mortal planes and this house, this was The True Writer’s old office. He spent much of his time here when he wasn’t off on his adventures. It was a place where he could center himself, work through his thoughts, and, occasionally, share his knowledge with me and the other maids.”
Lady Chihaya paused by one of the carvings, running her fingers lightly over the intricate lines. Her movements seemed deliberate, yet both Yourupt and Yuna could sense a subtle tension in her posture. It was as if, for a fleeting moment, she wasn’t quite present, lost in a thought or a memory. It wasn’t like her, and the two exchanged a brief glance, silently acknowledging the shift.
Chihaya: “These carvings,” she continued, regaining her composure, “are of people he lost over his long, long life. He once told me that the reason he made them was to remind himself why he fought. What exactly that meant, I still don’t fully understand even to this day.”
Lady Chihaya’s expression softened as her fingers lingered on one of the figures in the carvings. For just an instant, the mask of authority she always wore seemed to slip, revealing something raw grief, perhaps, or a weight she rarely allowed herself to show. Then, with a deep breath, she straightened, pulling herself back to the present and returning to her composed demeanor.
She gestured toward a set of weapons mounted on the wall blades and staves that seemed to radiate an aura of age and power.
Chihaya: “These,” she said, motioning toward them, “are from his time as a mortal. However, he would only wield only one weapon after training with Lady Kaha. That weapon hasn't been seen in years.”
Lady Chihaya noticed she had wandered off topic, her demeanor shifting as she straightened up and gracefully returned to her chair.
Chihaya: “Apologies,” she said with a small, composed smile. “I got carried away there for a moment. If you’re interested in learning more about these historical artifacts, you can review the records meticulously maintained by Head Maid Rose.”
Yourupt and Yuna exchanged brief glances before settling into the two chairs opposite Lady Chihaya, their anticipation palpable as they waited for her to continue. The room’s heavy silence, punctuated only by the faint creaks of the ancient wood, set the stage for whatever important discussion was about to unfold. Lady Chihaya clasped her hands together on the desk, her gaze steady as she prepared to address them.
Yourupt took in her words, glancing between her and the artifacts. Even as she spoke, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was weighing on her, a burden she refused to share. There was a reverence in her voice that was rare to hear, even from someone as composed as Chihaya. It struck him that, for all her authority and strength, she carried a deep respect,
perhaps even a lingering sense of loss for the figure whose legacy surrounded them and what she will lose in the future.
Lady Chihaya leaned back slightly in her chair, her hands resting on the desk as she addressed them.
Chihaya: “Since Wfighter is still enjoying his time at the hot spring and before we dive into the specifics of the party, I wanted to bring up something important. If you’re planning to train in the house with my apprentice, please keep it confined to one room. The last thing we need is for the entire house to shake or worse, for it to be destroyed.”
Yourupt raised an eyebrow, genuinely surprised by this revelation.
Yourupt: “She’s your apprentice?”
Lady Chihaya nodded, a faint smile crossing her face.
Chihaya: “Yes. She may not seem like it, but she’s poised to become a future head maid. She’s one of the newest individuals to emerge from the Te Whaea Rākau, the sacred tree created by The True Writer himself. That connection gives her immense potential in several areas, as I’m sure you’ve already noticed in her combat abilities. She’s currently been training with Yuna here as a sparring partner.”
Yourupt turned toward Yuna, his expression curious.
Yourupt: “Really, Yuna?”
Yuna nodded earnestly.
Yuna: “It’s true.”
Lady Chihaya continued, her tone taking on a note of pride.
Chihaya: “Yuna has shown remarkable progress. She approached me with a desire to become stronger, and her determination has paid off. She now has a solid grasp of the fundamentals of mana and has mastered all the forms of combat practiced by the maids. Additionally, she’s picked up advanced techniques from Orinthia during their training sessions.”
Yuna glanced down, a slight blush dusting her cheeks at the praise, but she smiled. “It’s been a challenge, but I’ve learned a lot.”
Yourupt leaned back in his chair, letting the information settle in.
Yourupt: “Well, I guess I underestimated you both. Sounds like I’ve got my work cut out for me if I want to keep up.”
Lady Chihaya chuckled lightly.
Chihaya: “Indeed, Yourupt. But knowing you, I’m sure you’ll rise to the challenge but please don’t destroy the house.”
Yourupt leaned forward, a sly grin spreading across his face.
Yourupt: “I'll try not to and now we have a good reason to celebrate at tonight’s party,” he said with a lighthearted tone.
Before he could continue, Lady Chihaya raised a hand, her expression growing serious.
Chihaya: “Actually, that’s exactly what I needed to discuss with both of you,” she interjected, cutting him off mid-thought. Her voice carried a weight
that shifted the atmosphere in the room.
Yuna’s smile faded as she noticed the shift, and Yourupt straightened in his chair, his playful demeanor giving way to attentiveness.
Lady Chihaya clasped her hands together on the desk and continued, her tone calm but firm.
Chihaya: “The party tonight isn’t just for celebration. It’s also where the sentencing of Yourupt will take place. The heads of the other higher realms
will be present to deliver their decision.”
Yourupt’s grin disappeared, replaced by a faint frown.
Yourupt: “The sentencing?” he echoed, his voice quieter but tinged with curiosity. “You mean they’re deciding my fate at the party?”
Lady Chihaya nodded, her gaze steady as she met his eyes.
Chihaya: “Yes. While the celebration is partly for formality, it also serves as a stage for this important moment on the first floor in Te Pō Arotahi. The
decision will be made public at a later date, and it will determine how you’ll serve the balance of the realms moving forward.”
Yuna looked between the two, her brow furrowed.
Yuna: “Why at the party? Isn’t that a bit… public?”
Lady Chihaya sighed, leaning back slightly.
Chihaya: “Given the destruction and loss of life caused by Dark Yourupt, the leaders of the higher realms insist that such events be made public soon. They see this as both a matter of accountability and a response to the significant threat Yourupt poses, one they believe must be dealt with swiftly. This is beyond my control as I have agreed to have it here in the house.”
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Lady Chihaya continued, addressing the situation surrounding Yourupt's sentencing.
Chihaya: “Fortunately, you’re under my jurisdiction, which means the other realms can’t act directly against you. Especially here, in this house, so any threats made against you would be considered an attack on me and my sisters, which could force the realms into war with me. That’s why I negotiated with the heads to hold the sentencing here, ensuring there are no unexpected moves. But don’t worry, I’ll make sure you don’t face the death penalty. I do need you to be on your absolute best behavior, though, so this can all blow over smoothly. Afterward, we can focus on discussing the rifts that have been appearing out of nowhere lately.”
Yourupt felt a wave of irritation at the thought of being put on trial for the actions of his shadow self. Still, he knew this was his chance to show the realms that he had changed that he wasn’t defined by the darkness he once harbored and could still serve a meaningful purpose. Taking a deep breath, he turned to Lady Chihaya and said,
Yourupt: “As much as I dislike this, I have to prove to the heads that I can still fulfill my duties as the last Royal Guard.”
Yuna, sitting by his side, offered a reassuring smile.
Yuna: “I’m here for you if you need me,” she said with quiet determination.
Yourupt glanced at her and gave a faint, appreciative smile.
Yourupt: “As always,” he replied, a small sense of comfort blooming despite the weight of the situation.
Lady Chihaya leaned forward slightly, her gaze fixed on Yourupt.
Chihaya: “That should be all for now before Wfighter finally makes his way back from the hot springs,” she said with a hint of impatience in her voice. “Once I’ve gone over how the sentencing will proceed and briefed you on the situation with the rifts, you’ll need to get yourself ready for the party. Yuna will help you out with that.”
She gestured toward an ornate wardrobe against the wall to her right.
Chihaya: “You can use one of The True Writer’s old suits. They should fit, and it’s only fitting that you wear something with a bit of history to it tonight.”
Yourupt rose from his chair, his gaze sharp and questioning.
Yourupt: “I’ve got one question for you, Lady Chihaya,” he said, his tone steady but edged with curiosity. “Why the heavy security? I get that there are a lot of important people coming tonight, but the amount of force you’ve requested feels like you’re expecting something big—something more than just a party.”
Lady Chihaya’s expression remained composed, though a flicker of hesitation crossed her face. Before she could respond, the room was abruptly enveloped by an intense wave of heat. The temperature surged, as if the very air had been ignited.
From behind Yourupt, a commanding presence emerged, a figure radiating an aura of raw power and heat. It was Wfighter. His towering form seemed to draw every eye in the room as he spoke, his voice deep and resonant.
Wfigther: “He’s right, Lady Chihaya,” Wfighter said, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Yourupt turned to face him, sensing the tension thickening in the air. The exchange of glances between Wfighter and Lady Chihaya only deepened the growing unease in the room. Something significant was unfolding, and it was clear to all present that this night was about to take an unexpected turn.
Yourupt, still facing away, let a faint smirk creep onto his face.
Yourupt: “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?” he said, his voice calm but with a subtle undertone of challenge.
Lady Chihaya’s eyes widened as she leapt from her chair, her sharp tone cutting through the growing tension.
Chihaya: “You two better not—”
Before she could finish, Yourupt vanished into the shadows, leaving behind a faint ripple in the air. In an instant, he reappeared, fist racing toward Wfighter with precise intent.
But Wfighter was ready. His hand shot up, meeting Yourupt’s punch head-on with a force that caused a shockwave to ripple through the room. The sound of their clash echoed like a crack of thunder.
Wfighter’s expression remained calm but firm, his voice laced with authority and a hint of amusement.
Yourupt: “Seems like you’ve been keeping up with your mana training since you woke up two years ago. Impressive.”
A faint glow of energy emanated from their fists as they remained locked in their clash. Wfighter’s eyes narrowed slightly, his tone dropping to a quiet, dangerous edge.
Wfigther: “But let me remind you, there’s a reason why even the gods of the Unknown fear me.”
Wfighter’s eyes narrowed, his tone dropping to a quiet, dangerous edge. “But let me remind you, there’s a reason why even the gods of the Unknown fear me.”
Yourupt leaned in slightly, his own tone just as sharp.
Yourupt: “I can say the same thing about you. Your mana feels way more dense than it did the last time we clashed.”
The room seemed to hum with unspoken tension, Lady Chihaya watching the scene unfold with a mix of frustration and alarm. It was clear that the encounter was more than just a spar; it was a test of wills between two formidable beings.
The entire house trembled under the force of Yourupt and Wfighter’s clash, the vibrations rattling furniture and shaking the walls. It was as though the very foundation of the building groaned under the strain. The air felt dense and charged, and for a moment, it seemed like their fight might spiral into something catastrophic.
If they continued at this pace, the house wouldn't be the only thing destroyed; there was a real danger their clash could ripple outwards, threatening Te Moana Nui o ngā Ao Whāiti itself.
Wfighter held firm against Yourupt’s strike, but his expression shifted, a flicker of concern breaking through his usual composed demeanor. Without a word, he stepped back, breaking off the attack. He sat down heavily in a nearby chair, letting out a deep breath as he said,
Wfighter: “I’m done.”
Yourupt stopped as well, his fists lowering as he watched Wfighter closely. Something felt off Wfighter wasn’t acting like his usual self. The unease between them lingered, unspoken but palpable.
Before either could say anything more, they both felt a sudden, sharp smack on the back of their heads. Lady Chihaya stood before them, her arms crossed and a scowl on her face.
Chihaya: “What did I say about fighting in the house?” she said sharply, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Both men straightened, looking properly chastened as Lady Chihaya glared at them. The room fell into an awkward silence, the tension shifting into something far less volatile.
Yourupt and Wfighter burst into laughter, their voices echoing through the room as Lady Chihaya stood with a look of exasperation plastered on her face. She sighed, shaking her head.
Chihaya: “I can’t believe you two are still pulling this kind of nonsense. This is exactly the kind of bad behavior The True Writer used to indulge in when he wanted to test someone’s strength.”
Lady Chihaya, with a practiced flick of her hand, began repairing the damage they had caused to the house. Splintered wood, cracked walls, and even the flickering lamps returned to their pristine state. With Yuna’s help linking her mind to the other maids, Lady Chihaya announced telepathically,
Chihaya: “Everyone, stand down. It was just a false alarm from my office.”
Yuna furrowed her brows, clearly puzzled.
Yuna: “False alarm? What are you talking about, Lady Chihaya?”
Lady Chihaya turned to her with a small sigh.
Chihaya: “It’s this ridiculous habit The True Writer used to have. Whenever he encountered someone strong, he’d test their strength by challenging them like this. He passed it down to his only student, Wfighter. And of course, Yourupt picked up on it too, though thankfully, not as often. It used to drive me crazy.”
For a brief moment, a soft smile crossed Lady Chihaya’s face as she watched the two laughing like old friends, their camaraderie evident. But her expression quickly returned to her usual calm demeanor.
Chihaya: “Alright, boys,” she said firmly, “back to the topic at hand.”
Yourupt and Wfighter, still chuckling softly, slowly composed themselves. They rose from where they had been seated on the floor, brushing off imaginary dust, and returned to their chairs, ready to listen. The air of tension from earlier had dissipated, replaced by an atmosphere of mutual respect and lingering amusement.
As the laughter subsided, Wfighter turned to Lady Chihaya with a smirk.
Yourupt: “But you forgot one thing. He’d mostly back off once he had a good idea of someone’s power.”
Lady Chihaya crossed her arms, her tone sharpening.
Chihaya: “And that’s precisely why I’ve decided you’ll be on watch with the guards at the frontlines during the party.”
Wfighter’s smirk vanished, replaced by an incredulous glare.
Wfighter: “What the hell, Chihaya? Why am I on guard duty? I was planning to have a few drinks and enjoy the party like everyone else!”
Lady Chihaya stood firm, her voice resolute.
Chihaya: “I’ve already made my decision. You’re one of the strongest people here, Wfighter, and your little performance just now only solidified that. The frontlines need someone like you, and you’re the best fit for the job.”
Wfighter groaned in frustration but eventually relented with a wave of his hand.
Wfighter: “Fine. As long as there are some drinks on the ships, I’ll deal with it.”
Lady Chihaya allowed herself a small victorious smile.
Chihaya:“Fine. I’ll make sure drinks are sent up to the ship on the condition that you actually do your job.”
Wfighter grinned slightly.
Wfighter: “Deal. And I’m guessing Yourupt will be standing back for his trial?”
Lady Chihaya nodded.
Chihaya: “Exactly. Yourupt has his own role to play, and you’ll need to focus on yours.”
With a shrug, Wfighter leaned back in his chair.
Wfighter: “Alright then. But those drinks better be worth it.”
With the room finally restored to order and everyone settled, the atmosphere grew heavy, signaling a shift in tone. Lady Chihaya’s expression turned serious, her gaze sweeping over the others.
Chihaya: “Before we proceed any further,” she said, her voice firm, “Yuna, I need you to scan for any unknown sources that might be listening in. Cut them off if you find any. And Yourupt, cast your shadows around the room to ensure no one can eavesdrop on what I’m about to say.”
Yuna gave a sharp nod and closed her eyes, focusing her energy to scan the realm. Threads of mana reached outward, probing for any unfamiliar presences lurking within their vicinity. As she worked, her expression tightened, and with a flick of her wrist, she severed a faint connection, ensuring no one outside the room could listen.
Meanwhile, Yourupt stood, his form exuding a dark, commanding presence. Shadows rippled outward from his feet, creeping along the walls and ceiling until the room was encased in an impenetrable cocoon of darkness. The swirling shadows pulsed faintly, a tangible barrier against any form of intrusion.
Both tasks completed, Yuna opened her eyes and gave a firm nod to Lady Chihaya.
Yuna: “No unknown sources left. We’re clear.”
Yourupt followed, his voice calm but edged with vigilance.
Yourupt: “The shadows are in place. No one’s listening now.”
Lady Chihaya let out a soft breath of relief and gestured for them to sit.
Chihaya: “Good. Now we can speak freely.”
Lady Chihaya took a deep breath before addressing the group, her tone calm yet serious.
Chihaya: “Now that we’re certain no one is listening, I can explain everything about tonight’s party and what we know about the rifts,” she began.
She clasped her hands behind her back, pacing the room thoughtfully.
Chihaya: “Yourupt’s trial isn’t the only significant event happening tonight. I’ve arranged a meeting with Ryouji Leich, the head of the bounty hunters. The deal is simple: he'll gain access to the enforcer maids in exchange for sharing the intel they’ve gathered on the rifts that have been appearing in their territories across the Unknown. This information is vital, and I’ve assigned you, Yourupt, to handle this during the party. Isabella will accompany you, as she’s holding the contract for the deal. Once that’s done, I’ll need you to keep an eye out for anything unusual while mingling with the guests while behaving yourself. Gather whatever information you can about anything useful.”
She turned her gaze to Yuna.
Chihaya: “You’ll be staying with me. Before the trial begins, you’ll be giving a speech to set the tone for what’s to come. I’ll explain more when it’s closer to the time. My focus will be on greeting the leaders of the higher realms and keeping them occupied while my maids ensure everything runs smoothly and set up the room for the trial.”
Finally, she glanced at Wfighter.
Chihaya: “As for you, you’ll be stationed at the borders with the army. Like I said before, your little display earlier only confirmed that you’re one of the strongest here, and we’ll need that strength to ensure nothing and no one breaches our defenses. I’ll arrange for drinks to be sent to your post, but I need you focused and ready.”
She stopped pacing, her expression softening just slightly.
Chihaya: “This evening will be complicated, but if we all do our parts, it’ll go as smoothly as possible. Any questions before we move forward?”
With everyone on the same page, no further questions were raised. Lady Chihaya took a deep breath and prepared to share the limited information she had on the rifts. Her tone grew heavier as she began,
Chihaya: “Now, we need to discuss the rifts that have been appearing throughout creation lately. The implications.”
Before she could finish, the atmosphere shifted. Everyone in the room tensed, sensing an unfamiliar presence nearby. However, Lady Chihaya remained composed, immediately recognizing who it was.
The door opened, and Isabella stepped inside, her expression calm but urgent.
Isabella: “Apologies for interrupting, Lady Chihaya,” she said, her voice steady. “Some of the guests have just arrived and are waiting in the main hall.”
Lady Chihaya raised an eyebrow but quickly nodded.
Chihaya: “Already? Very well.” She turned to the others, her tone authoritative. “Wfighter, Yuna, come with me. I’ll continue explaining as we make our way to greet them.” Then, her gaze shifted to Yourupt.
Chihaya: “As for you, get ready for the party. When Ryouji arrives, go to Isabella and she'll guide you through the details of the deal and the rifts.”
Yourupt gave a sharp nod, and Lady Chihaya left the room with Wfighter and Yuna in tow, her pace brisk. The faint echoes of her voice and steady footsteps faded as the door closed behind them, leaving Yourupt to prepare for the pivotal evening ahead.